Commissioners also heard from Preferred Choice Healthcare on a new co-responder program, funded by a $3M federal grant awarded to United Way of Rutherford County last year. It's unclear why it took over 10 months to publicly acknowledge it.

One of the most visible restoration projects is underway at Washburn Marina and the Lake Lure Beach area. Contractors are now removing debris and sedimentation, a process made more difficult by standing water. Crews are stabilizing equipment with pallets in order to safely move forward with the work. Officials call this a major milestone that brings the community closer to reopening the lake, which is expected sometime next year.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 2.7 magnitude earthquake was detected at 11:14 a.m. Wednesday about four miles north of Columbus in the Mill Spring community. The quake occurred at a depth of 3.5 miles, or 5.6 kilometers.

Authorities emphasize that the Sheriff’s Office will never ask for or accept money to prevent an arrest if a warrant exists. Additionally, anyone who is legitimately subpoenaed will receive a copy of the subpoena, which will be delivered to their home.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the bus driver failed to yield the right of way to the truck while turning left onto New House Road. The bus was carrying four passengers in addition to the driver. No one on the bus was injured, but the truck’s driver was taken to a hospital in Shelby with minor injuries.